How to Fix Red Eye in Photoshop

What You’ll Be Creating

We’ve all had a great candid photo ruined by a pair of glowing red eyes. Today we’re going to learn exactly what causes the effect and, more importantly, how to fix red eye in Photoshop!

Want to learn how to retouch photos yourself but don’t know where to start? Our free Photoshop Retouching for Beginners course will teach you all of the retouching basics, covering both the do’s and the don’ts. Additionally, you can visit Envato Elements to find the best Photoshop add-ons for your needs!

What You’ll Learn in This Photoshop Tutorial

What causes red eyes in pictures
How to fix red eye in Photoshop
How to edit eyes in Photoshop
How to sharpen eyes in Photoshop

What You’ll Need

Photo With Red Eye

What Causes Red Eyes in Pictures?

When light bounces off of the retina at the back of the eye, it creates the “red eye” effect. Red eye happens when a camera flash is faster than the closing of the eye’s pupil. The light passes through the pupil, bounces off the back of the eye, and then reflects back through the pupil. The red color is the eye’s interior, also known as the fundus. Red eye can occur in both people and animals.

With flash photography not as popular as it once was, red eye tends to be less of a problem, but it can still happen under the right circumstances. Let’s look at how we can remove red eye using the red eye removal Photoshop tool.

How to Fix Red Eyes in Photoshop

Step 1

First, right-click the Healing Brush tool and select the Red Eye Tool found at the bottom of the dropdown list.

Step 2

Next, create a square selection around the eye using the Red Eye Tool. The selection does not need to be precise. In fact, selecting a slightly larger area is recommended.

The red will automatically be targeted and removed.

Step 3 (Optional)

Finally, deepen the pupil of the eye using the Burn Tool set to 50% Exposure.

If you do not see the Burn Tool in the toolbar, right-click the Dodge Tool and select the Burn Tool from the dropdown list.

You’re Done!

That is how to remove red eye in Photoshop. Red eye may not appear as often as it once did, but it can still pop up whenever flash photography is being used. Luckily, the red eye removal Photoshop tool works wonders, all without needing any extra add-ons or actions! It really is just that easy.

Want Professional Results Fast? Try These Photoshop Add-Ons From Envato Elements

While learning how to remove red eye in Photoshop may be simple, other retouching processes can take literally hours to do by hand. Make retouching hair, eyes, skin, makeup and more just as easy by using some of these professional photo retouching Photoshop add-ons from Envato Elements!

Retouching Photoshop Actions (ATN)

This set of ten different retouching actions is a must-have for both professional photographers and casual users! Retouching skin has never been easier, along with easy color grading and other essential retouching processes.

Real Estate Photo Retoucher (ATN)

Any real estate agent will tell you just how important pictures are when trying to sell a house or rent out an apartment! This easy-to-use set of actions can fix wide lens distortion, neutralize yellow colors, and add a bright blue sky, all with just a few clicks.

Ultimate Retouch Tool Photoshop Script (JSX, ABR)

This retouching script is so easy to use. Just adjust the sliders to create instant edits to your photo. Just in case you need a bit more help, the Ultimate Retouch Tool Photoshop Script comes with its own video tutorial!

50 Portrait Retouch Photoshop Actions (ATN)

This is an all-in-one retouching bundle containing 50 different portrait retouching actions and add-ons! Create professional, clean, high-end edits including soft skin, sharper details, and much more.

14 Landscape Retouching Actions (ATN)

Portraits aren’t the only photos that need a bit of retouching now and then! Enhance landscapes instantly with any one of the 14 different actions included in this bundle aimed specifically at nature landscapes.

Looking to learn more? Why not check out the following tutorials:

Post date January 6, 2022

This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Abbey Esparza

What You'll Be Creating

We've all had a great candid photo ruined by a pair of glowing red eyes. Today we're going to learn exactly what causes the effect and, more importantly, how to fix red eye in Photoshop!

Want to learn how to retouch photos yourself but don't know where to start? Our free Photoshop Retouching for Beginners course will teach you all of the retouching basics, covering both the do's and the don'ts. Additionally, you can visit Envato Elements to find the best Photoshop add-ons for your needs!

What You'll Learn in This Photoshop Tutorial

What causes red eyes in pictures
How to fix red eye in Photoshop
How to edit eyes in Photoshop
How to sharpen eyes in Photoshop

What You'll Need

Photo With Red Eye

What Causes Red Eyes in Pictures?

When light bounces off of the retina at the back of the eye, it creates the "red eye" effect. Red eye happens when a camera flash is faster than the closing of the eye's pupil. The light passes through the pupil, bounces off the back of the eye, and then reflects back through the pupil. The red color is the eye's interior, also known as the fundus. Red eye can occur in both people and animals.

With flash photography not as popular as it once was, red eye tends to be less of a problem, but it can still happen under the right circumstances. Let's look at how we can remove red eye using the red eye removal Photoshop tool.